Spirit owner’s $30 million gift zeroes in on U.S. Soccer’s female programs

Michele Kang, owner of the NWSL’s Washington Spirit, will give $30 million to the U.S. Soccer Federation over the next five years. Kang announced the gift, which will primarily benefit female programs, on Tuesday.

U.S. Soccer officials said the donation is the largest investment in their women’s programs and the biggest gift ever made by a female donor.

“It will impact generations of women and girls in our game, including players, coaches and referees,” U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said of the gift. “I know firsthand the power soccer can have in someone’s life, and thanks to Michele we will be able to provide more support and opportunities for women and girls.”

Kang’s investment focuses on opportunities for young players and professional development for coaches and referees.

“Women’s sports have been undervalued and overlooked for far too long,” Kang said in a statement. “I am committed to raising the standard of excellence in women’s soccer — both on and off the pitch — by delivering the resources female athletes need to reach their full potential and surround them with the professional support they deserve.”

The gift will help U.S. Soccer double the number of national team camps and support 12 times as many players in the program’s pipeline.

“I believe a gift like this will change the trajectory of the sport,” Emma Hayes, coach of the U.S. women’s national team, said. “We’re in a pivotal moment for soccer in the U.S., and this will help us support more female players, coaches and referees in the game.”